Toast to top pub

Cheers! The licensees of a Shropshire pub were celebrating today after being voted the Camra Shropshire and The Marches pub of the year.

It is the second year on the trot that Liz and Peter Arden from The Cock Hotel, Wellington, have scooped the accolade.

Camra said today that the pub's community spirit and excellent beer were the two main positives that led to the title.

Paul Jones, Telford & East Shropshire branch secretary, said the award was "well-deserved".

He said: "The main reason why The Cock Hotel has been given this award is because the beer is excellent.

"With real ale when you have it coming through the pipes with regular customers drinking it, it looks after itself.

"But The Cock stands out against the others because of the terrific community spirit and friendly atmosphere Liz and Peter have got going there.

"It is a wonderful community and the drinkers in The Cock make the pub what it is."